Robert: What is it that is aware of the condition you describe? That is "witnessing" it? This is the awareness out of which (or in which) speaking, writing, thinking occur. Just attend to that witnessing awareness and what is present in it. It is not concerned with what occurs (activity or non-activity) within it. Whether there is or is not speaking, etc. is the secondary thing, not your primary being-ness.

Attending to the witnessing awareness is just BE STILL. Often we try to still our thoughts, or speech. This just does not work for very long, and even if it does work, it is not attending to the witnessing awareness.
Therefore, BE STILL.

the mind is in the painting. how could 'it' ever identify the painter? buddha called thought the 6th sense. i do nothing to see, hear, smell, feel, taste, or think. i am the powerless witnessing of nmanifestation.
a young boy asked socrates: if i am not the thinker, what should i do?
the reply: just go on thinking that you think.